You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.18 AVERAGE
4.18 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Nobleman's Guide to Scandal and Shipwrecks by Mackenzie Lee might just be my favorite of the series, though it’s hard to say, because each book has its own unique strengths. But this one hit me differently, and I think a big part of that is the anxiety representation.
While I don’t struggle with everything Adrian faces, the way his social anxiety is portrayed felt incredibly real to me. There’s a moment early on, when he's trying to hand out pamphlets to strangers, and I had to pause and just sit with that for a second. It was so exactly how I feel in those moments, trying to do something that seems simple to others but feels utterly overwhelming. The dread, the second-guessing, the inner spiral... Mackenzi Lee nailed my thoughts in their situations exactly.
And that wasn’t just a one-off. Throughout the book, Adrian's fears, compulsions, and inner battles are handled with care and nuance. It’s messy, sometimes painful, but never reduced to a trope or a plot device. He’s a full character, not a diagnosis.
Highly recommended, especially if you’re looking for mental health rep that feels both grounded and empathetic.
What I also loved is how the story weaves his personal struggles into a much larger adventure. There’s mystery, danger, high seas, family drama, and a truly satisfying emotional arc. Seeing Monty and Percy again was a bonus, but it was Adrian's journey that kept me hooked. This isn’t a fast-paced book, but it’s full of feeling and growth, and I really appreciated that.
We get to see more of the Montague siblings, and seeing Felicity, Monty, Adrian and Percy slowly getting used to their new family dynamics was both comforting and relatable.
The mix of people who are different from what society expects them to be, and yet manage to find their own way and happiness was also a joy to read.
While I don’t struggle with everything Adrian faces, the way his social anxiety is portrayed felt incredibly real to me. There’s a moment early on, when he's trying to hand out pamphlets to strangers, and I had to pause and just sit with that for a second. It was so exactly how I feel in those moments, trying to do something that seems simple to others but feels utterly overwhelming. The dread, the second-guessing, the inner spiral... Mackenzi Lee nailed my thoughts in their situations exactly.
And that wasn’t just a one-off. Throughout the book, Adrian's fears, compulsions, and inner battles are handled with care and nuance. It’s messy, sometimes painful, but never reduced to a trope or a plot device. He’s a full character, not a diagnosis.
Highly recommended, especially if you’re looking for mental health rep that feels both grounded and empathetic.
What I also loved is how the story weaves his personal struggles into a much larger adventure. There’s mystery, danger, high seas, family drama, and a truly satisfying emotional arc. Seeing Monty and Percy again was a bonus, but it was Adrian's journey that kept me hooked. This isn’t a fast-paced book, but it’s full of feeling and growth, and I really appreciated that.
We get to see more of the Montague siblings, and seeing Felicity, Monty, Adrian and Percy slowly getting used to their new family dynamics was both comforting and relatable.
The mix of people who are different from what society expects them to be, and yet manage to find their own way and happiness was also a joy to read.
I remember finishing Felicity's book several years ago and saying that I can’t believe its over and then Mackenzi Lee blessed us with another book. Now I finished Adrian's and AGAIN I can’t believe its over. No matter how many books they would publish in this series, it would never be enough because I am obsessed with the Montague siblings and they are so important to me its unreal. This was a perfect series ending and I am so thankful.
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Loved the way the author spun reality, history and science together to share the tale of this 3rd book in an amazing series. I think I wanted more Felicity and Percy in the story but overall, wonderful.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I adored this book, genuinely my favorite book of the year.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes